Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Djinn is a strong spirit
Life, Published on 10/07/2024
» Horror and ghost stories have long been a staple of Thai cinema and the genre is deeply rooted in Buddhist beliefs and mythologies. Yet, it's surprising that these stories rarely venture beyond the confines of Buddhist folklore. However, that changes with The Cursed Land, an upcoming horror film that shifts the focus to the country's South, a predominantly Islamic region, and introduces audiences to the lesser-known demonic entity known as the djinn.
The South, beyond the stereotypes
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 07/02/2024
» As one of Thailand's three southern border provinces, Pattani is often associated with violence despite offering interesting characteristics. At Xspace Gallery, "Patani Abstract" showcases work from 10 artists affiliated with Patani Artspace -- the first art space in the three southern border provinces. "Patani Abstract" offers diverse perspectives of the region through abstract art.
Changing the narrative
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 02/09/2022
» A man returns home from work in Malaysia after Covid-19 struck, then gets lost in a bureaucratic labyrinth trying to get government handouts. Another woman finds a job at a factory, but the rules require her to compromise her faith. In Yala, a skater boy sets out in search of a friendly park where he can enjoy his ride. A hijab-wearing K-pop fanatic is getting married to a man who has just converted to Islam. And in a Pattani family, a young man watches his mother being possessed by a spirit, possibly a black-magic attack from his business rival.
Preserving an ancient art
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 26/04/2022
» Despite a two-year hiatus, Nutchanat La-ongsri commanded a stage with unwavering power. Donning a large headpiece, she pulled on a white costume with a red strap tied on her upper body. Her back rose up like a bird's tail. She pressed her hands in front, showing silver bracelets and nail tips. After a wai kru ceremony, she staged a play in nora kaek, the dying breed of performance art from the Deep South.
Return of Doumbia
Life, John Clewley, Published on 20/07/2021
» Over the past half-century, the land-locked West African nation Mali has produced some terrific singers and bands.
Inspiration born from tragedy
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 13/01/2021
» Growing up in Yala, I-na Phuyuthanon thought she was used to hearing news of violence in the Deep South, but when her uncle was shot while stepping out to buy ice cream for his children, it changed everything.
A place where indies can thrive
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 08/03/2018
» The stone latticework of Cinema Oasis gives its façade a vaguely Middle Eastern look. Up on the 2nd floor gallery that runs along the screening room, pockets of sunlight shine in through the gaps in the pattern. Looking down, you see what's left of what was once a large pond. An oasis, maybe, as the name suggests.
Four inspiring tales for the price of none
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 25/10/2017
» The gift of love, kindness and generosity from the late King Bhumibol lives on in the minds of all Thais. It serves as the inspiration behind the anthology film Khong Kwan (The Gift), comprised of four short films by four Thai directors to be screened free of charge beginning Saturday at cinemas nationwide.
A trip down South
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 13/09/2017
» The audiences looked on eagerly as throngs of classical musicians from the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO), all smartly dressed in black, slowly filed onto the stage of Yala Rajabhat University's auditorium. Once the men and women in black were seated, and the conductor flicked his baton, the first melody struck. The powerful sounds of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No.5 soon engulfed the hall, filled with locals of Thailand's southernmost province.
Southern discomfort, by those who live it
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 04/08/2017
» 'I'm not really a photographer. In fact I hated photography," said photographer Mumadsoray Deng from Pattani.